The Salvation Army's biggest fundraiser of the year kicks off today.
Volunteers are now manning the church's iconic kettles throughout the city and by the time the campaign ends on Christmas Eve, it's hoped that $250,000 will have been raised.
Donations have routinely surpassed that level in previous years, but Salvation Army Captain Neil Wilkinson and his staff are taking nothing for granted.
"We have a big task ahead of us," Wilkinson said. "We're looking for the community to show their heart and their generosity."
There are 15 kettle locations around the community and volunteers are needed to man them.
Those who step forward will be asked to ring the bell for two hour shifts - there's no limit on the number of shifts they can volunteer for - and time slots are available Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. until close of business, usually at 8 p.m.
"We literally need an army of volunteers," Wilkinson said. "We typically run about 800 volunteers in a season, which is huge."
The money raised will be used to carry on operations for 2013, which include the a food bank that's currently feeding 800 families per month, emergency assistance for people in a time of crisis and emergency disaster services.
"$250,000 sounds like a lot when you're doing a fundraiser, however when you think about even just feeding 800 families a month for 12 months, $250,000 does not go very far and yet we're able to stretch it out and make sure that everybody's provided for," Wilkinson said.
An official launch featuring community entertainment is set for 4 p.m. at Pine Centre Mall.
Those interested in volunteering can pick up an application at the Salvation Army headquarters at 777 Ospika Blvd., near Fifth Ave. For more information, call 250-564-4000 or visit www.sapg.ca.
